French Connection Vol. 3 Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn't know you'd be hanging out on Alizee's yacht with her.” I raised an eyebrow as he flushed. “That's what I thought.”
    He started to reach across the table as if he expected me to hold his hands, then he stopped and pulled back. “It's not what you think.”
    “Really? Because I think you didn't want me to know you were meeting her and not Vincent. And I think that's because...” I let my voice trail off as tears started to form in my eyes. I wasn't going to cry, not here. “It doesn't matter the reason. You lied and you kissed her.”
    “You must've missed the finale then,” he snapped. “Where she made me swim back to shore because I refused to fuck her, even though she threatened to kill the deal.”
    My eyes went wide. That certainly explained why he'd been soaked when he'd gotten back to the hotel.
    “And you're one to talk.” He leaned toward me, his eyes flashing now. “I saw you with Pierre.”
    I frowned. “That's not the same thing. I told you I was going to meet him. And I sure as hell didn't kiss him!”
    “You two looked awfully cozy.”
    “You followed me?” What was happening to us?
    “And how did you see me with Alizee if you hadn't been following me?”
    “I apparently had a reason to,” I countered. “You lied about where you were going.”
    “Yes,” he admitted. “I wasn't entirely honest about where I was going because I didn't want you to worry. I got the impression you didn't like Alizee very much.”
    I gave a snort of laughter. “How very observant of you. That's an understatement.”
    “I shouldn't have lied,” he said. “Okay? It was a mistake. I should've just been honest and even invited you to come along.” He started to say something else and then stopped.
    “Spill it,” I said. “We might as well get everything out in the open.”
    “Is what you saw... is that why you said those things earlier?”
    There was a cautious hope in his eyes that reminded me of the pain I'd seen on his face back at the hotel.
    “Because if what happened last night freaked you out or scared you,” he continued. “And that's why you went to Pierre, we don't have to do any of that–”
    “Wait,” I cut him off. “You think I'm cheating on you with Pierre because of what we did last night?” The expression on his face said it all. “I'm not interested in Pierre. Not that way.” I sighed and slid over so that we were side-by-side. “I'm sorry I made you feel like I didn't love every moment of last night. I loved you sharing that part of yourself with me.” I reached up and brushed his hair back, letting my fingers linger on his cheek.
    “Why did you say it then? Payback for what you thought was going on between Alizee and me?” He caught my hand in his and pressed his lips against the tips of my fingers.
    I sighed and said a silent apology to Pierre. “It's complicated because I wasn't at the docks alone.”
    Gavin's eyes narrowed. “You were there with the journalist.”
    I nodded. “He's investigating Alizee and that's what we were doing when I saw you. Pierre said I couldn't talk to you about it because if Alizee knew he was looking into her, she'd bolt.”
    “And he wouldn't be able to expose her illegal activities,” Gavin finished my thought.
    I looked up at him, surprised.
    “You know how I said I had to tell you some things about Vincent and Alizee?” he asked. “Well, that's part of it.”
    I leaned my head against his shoulder, the flood of relief going through me leaving me trembling. He put his arms around me and pulled me close. “I'm so sorry,” I repeated. “I should've trusted you, and not just about the meeting, but also that you'd believe me when I said she was up to no good.”
    He kissed the top of my head. “And I'm sorry I lied to you about where I was going this morning and for following you to meet Pierre. I should've trusted you, too. Hearing you say those things about me spanking you...” His voice trailed off for a moment before he